The case of prominent Gambian human right activist Madi Jobarteh has been  referred to the police prosecutor for a court hearing.

Kairaba police on Wednesday charged Mr Jobarteh with “false publication” days after he spoke to the media during a Black Lives Matter protest at Pipeline.

He is said to have accused the government of not investigating three deaths, two of which the police are alledgedly involved.

But dozens of Gambians including activists and  journalists and ordinary citizens have demanded the state drop all charges against the activist.

And on Thursday, Madi Jobarteh wrote on his Facebook: “I just left the prosecutor’s office at Kanifing police. I am reporting again on Monday and in preparation to go to court.”

“Thanks to all of you for the show of support against this state of harassment. 

“Three years after we ousted dictatorship it is an insult to criminalise citizens for their opinions,” he added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba